Regional variations in coronary heart disease mortality in Wisconsin, 1979-1998

Although coronary heart disease mortality has declined in Wisconsin during recent decades, progress in reducing mortality was not equal in all counties.

Expected and observed numbers of coronary heart disease deaths from 1994 to 1998 were calculated for all 72 Wisconsin counties using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The estimated percent decline in coronary heart disease mortality from 1979 to 1998 was also calculated for each county.

Significant regional disparities are apparent in both recent coronary heart disease morality rates and declines in coronary heart disease mortality during the past two decades in Wisconsin. Counties that experienced the smallest declines in reducing coronary heart disease mortality during 1979-1998 tended to have the highest rates at the end of the period. Counties with lower income, lower education levels, less population density, and more blacks had higher rates of coronary heart disease.

These results may be useful in targeting resources to reduce regional disparities in coronary heart disease mortality in Wisconsin.